Methods and systems for changing topology of an asymmetric network

ABSTRACT

Methods and systems for changing topology of an asymmetric network and operating end-devices coupled to a self-configurable asymmetric network. The self-configurable asymmetric network supports at least two different network topologies and enables: displaying information regarding end-devices that may be accessed via different network topologies, selecting a network topology by setting the direction of a self-configurable asymmetric link, and indicating a subset of the end-devices that are accessible via the selected network topology.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. application Ser. No.13/623,777 filed Sep. 20, 2012, which is a Continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 12/619,677, filed Nov. 16, 2009, which claims thebenefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application61/115,099, filed Nov. 16, 2008. This application is also aContinuation-In-Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/106,793 filed May12, 2011, which a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/129,111,filed May 12, 2011, which is a National Stage of InternationalApplication No. PCT/US09/64638, filed Nov. 16, 2009, which claims thebenefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 61/115,099, filed Nov. 16, 2008.

BACKGROUND

In telecommunications, the term asymmetric communication link refers toa communication link in which the data speed or quantity differs in onedirection compared with the other direction. Asymmetric data flow can,in some instances, make more efficient use of the available resourcesthan symmetric data flow, in which the speed or quantity of data is thesame in both directions. Theoretical descriptions, details,explanations, examples, and applications of asymmetric and hybridnetworks are readily available in standard references in the field ofcommunications.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In one embodiment, an asymmetric network comprising: at least oneself-configurable asymmetric link and at least one control functionelement; the asymmetric network is coupled to at least four end-devicesand supports at least two different topologies based on directionalityof the at least one self-configurable asymmetric link; and the controlfunction is configured to provide data regarding essentially all theend-devices that can be accessed in any of the at least two differenttopologies.

In one embodiment, a method for operating end-devices coupled to aself-configurable asymmetric network which supports at least twodifferent network topologies, comprising: displaying informationregarding end-devices that can be accessed in any one of the at leasttwo different network topologies; selecting a network topology bysetting the direction of a self-configurable asymmetric link; andindicating a subset of the end-devices that are accessible via theselected network topology.

In one embodiment, an asymmetric network comprising: at least oneself-configurable asymmetric link; the asymmetric network is coupled toat least four end-devices and supports at least two different networktopologies based on directionality of the at least one self-configurableasymmetric link; and the asymmetric network is configured to providedata regarding the end-devices that are accessible via the at least twodifferent network topologies until operating at least one of theend-device which requires a specific topology.

In one embodiment, a method for operating devices coupled to aconfigurable asymmetric network supporting first and second networktopologies, comprising: displaying information regarding end-devicesaccessible via the first and second network topologies; receiving anindication of selection of the first network topology; and focusing thedisplayed information on end-devices accessible via the first networktopology.

Implementations of the disclosed embodiments involve performing orcompleting selected tasks or steps manually, semi-automatically, fullyautomatically, and/or a combination thereof. Moreover, depending uponactual instrumentation and/or equipment used for implementing thedisclosed embodiments, several embodiments could be achieved byhardware, by software, by firmware, or a combination thereof. Inparticular, regarding hardware, different embodiments of the inventioncould be achieved by variations in the physical structure. Additionally,or alternatively, regarding software, selected functions of theinvention could be performed by a data processor, such as a computingplatform, executing software instructions or protocols using anysuitable computer operating system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments are herein described, by way of example only, withreference to the accompanying drawings. No attempt is made to showstructural details of the embodiments in more detail than is necessaryfor a fundamental understanding of the embodiments. In the drawings:

FIG. 1A to FIG. 1D illustrate communication links for different types ofdata over the same wires;

FIG. 2A illustrates an asymmetric communication link;

FIG. 2B illustrates a symmetric communication link;

FIG. 2C illustrates a self-configurable asymmetric link;

FIG. 3A illustrates a network comprising asymmetric communication links,a self-configurable asymmetric link, and symmetric communication links;

FIG. 3B illustrates asymmetric communication links over a wide network;

FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of a symmetric communication link 400over the same wires;

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a self-configurable asymmetriclink;

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a self-configurable asymmetriclink;

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of one example of an analog front endfor such an asymmetric communication link;

FIG. 8A illustrates an asymmetric network comprising switch coupled toswitch through a self-configurable asymmetric link;

FIG. 8B illustrates the case where an additional source device iscoupled to a switch and an additional sink device is coupled to aswitch;

FIG. 8C illustrates one embodiment of managing compressed anduncompressed video streams over an asymmetric network;

FIG. 8D and FIG. 8E illustrate an idiot proof switch having 5self-configurable asymmetric ports;

FIG. 8F illustrates one embodiment of a network formed by switches;

FIG. 9A illustrates two switches coupled by two self-configurableasymmetric links;

FIG. 9B and FIG. 9C illustrate a stream migration process;

FIG. 9D illustrates one example where the two switches communicate overa network;

FIG. 9E illustrates one example where the number of source devicescoupled to a first switch is larger than the number of source devicescoupled to a second switch;

FIG. 10 illustrates one embodiment of a hybrid network;

FIG. 11 illustrates transparent delivery of peer to peer, HDMI-HDCPsession, over a hybrid network;

FIG. 12 illustrates transparent delivery of Ethernet data over eachhybrid network hop;

FIG. 13A illustrates one example of selecting a source device (PVR) andreceiving its accessible sink devices;

FIG. 13B illustrates one example of selecting a sink device andreceiving its accessible sources devices;

FIG. 14 illustrates one embodiment wherein the user is supplied withinformation regarding end-devices;

FIG. 15 illustrates one embodiment wherein the user is supplied withinformation regarding the source and sink devices that can be accessedvia approximately any one or more of the possible network topologies;

FIG. 16 illustrates one non-limiting example of physical, link andnetwork layers to enable, low overhead, low latency, variable transferquality per data type, multi streams, communication;

FIG. 17 illustrates one embodiment of a hybrid network including anasynchronous data networking and a time sensitive network, implementedover the same physical infrastructure;

FIG. 18 illustrates one embodiment of a hybrid network including anasynchronous data networking and a time sensitive network, implementedover the same physical infrastructure; and

FIG. 19 illustrates one embodiment in which data about a user isrecorded by tracking devices.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth.However, the embodiments of the invention may be practiced without someof these specific details. In other instances, well-known hardware,software, materials, structures and techniques have not been shown indetail in order not to obscure the understanding of this description. Inthis description, references to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” meanthat the feature being referred to may be included in at least oneembodiment of the invention. Moreover, separate references to “oneembodiment” in this description do not necessarily refer to the sameembodiment. Illustrated embodiments are not mutually exclusive, unlessso stated and except as will be readily apparent to those of ordinaryskill in the art. Thus, the invention may include any variety ofcombinations and/or integrations of the embodiments described herein.Also herein, flow diagrams illustrate non-limiting embodiment examplesof the methods, and block diagrams illustrate non-limiting embodimentexamples of the devices. Some operations in the flow diagrams may bedescribed with reference to the embodiments illustrated by the blockdiagrams. However, the methods of the flow diagrams could be performedby embodiments of the invention other than those discussed withreference to the block diagrams, and embodiments discussed withreference to the block diagrams could perform operations different fromthose discussed with reference to the flow diagrams. Moreover, althoughthe flow diagrams may depict serial operations, certain embodimentscould perform certain operations in parallel and/or in different ordersfrom those depicted. Moreover, the use of repeated reference numeralsand/or letters in the text and/or drawings is for the purpose ofsimplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationshipbetween the various embodiments and/or configurations discussed.Furthermore, methods and mechanisms of the embodiments will sometimes bedescribed in singular form for clarity. However, it should be noted thatsome embodiments may include multiple iterations of a method or multipleinstantiations of a mechanism unless noted otherwise. For example, whena controller or an interface are disclosed in an embodiment, the scopeof the embodiment is intended to also cover the use of multiplecontrollers or interfaces.

TERMS

FIG. 2A illustrates an asymmetric communication link. The term“asymmetric communication link” as used herein refers to a full-duplexcommunication link featuring high throughput communication in onedirection and lower throughput communication in the other direction. Forexample, HDMI and DisplayPort are full-duplex asymmetric communicationlinks featuring high throughput communication comprising video, audio,and data in one direction, and low throughput bidirectional datacommunication.

FIG. 2B illustrates a symmetric communication link. The term “symmetriccommunication link” refers to a communication link featuring highthroughputs in both directions, simultaneously. For example, an Ethernetcommunication link is a symmetric communication link.

FIG. 2C illustrates a self-configurable asymmetric link. The term“self-configurable asymmetric link” as used herein refers to acommunication link capable of transmitting either a high throughput in afirst direction and a lower throughput in the second direction, or ahigh throughput in the second direction and a lower throughput in thefirst direction. In some embodiments, the self-configurable asymmetriclink may also have a manual configuration mode.

The term “high throughput” generally refers to a throughput higher than1.1 Gbps, while the term “low throughput” or “lower throughput” refersto a throughput which is, at the most, one third of the “highthroughput”. For example, the high throughput may range fromapproximately 0.5 Gbps to approximately 20 Gbps, while the lowerthroughput may range from approximately 1 Kbps to approximately 5 Gbps.

The term “asymmetric communication port” also covers full-duplexasymmetric wireless connection. For example, the phrase “a switchcomprising at least two asymmetric communication ports” also covers afull-duplex wireless switch comprising at least two full-duplexasymmetric wireless connections.

The term “networking device” as used herein refers to a device thatmediates data in a computer/multimedia network, such as, but not limitedto, a switch, a gateway, a router, a bridge, a hub, a daisy-chaindevice, and/or a repeater.

The term “wired switch” is to be interpreted as a non-wireless switch,such as a switch having any kind of port designed for conductive wiresand/or fiber optics. In the claims, the term “self-configurable wiredasymmetric link” is to be interpreted as a non-wirelessself-configurable asymmetric link, such as a conductiveself-configurable asymmetric link, or a fiber optics self-configurableasymmetric link.

FIG. 1A-1D illustrate communication links for different types of dataover the same wires, as discussed in U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/703,080, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIG. 3A illustrates a network comprising asymmetric communication links(351, 353, 355, and 385), a self-configurable asymmetric link 383, andsymmetric communication links 361 and 381. In one embodiment, theasymmetric communication links connect asymmetric devices, such asmultimedia sinks, multimedia sources, printers, or certain storagedevices; the self-configurable asymmetric links may connect asymmetricdevices or self-configurable asymmetric devices; and the symmetric portsmay communicate with asymmetric devices, self-configurable asymmetricdevices, or symmetric devices.

The hybrid system illustrated by FIG. 3A may provide a cost-effectivesolution for a network comprising asymmetric devices and symmetricand/or self-configurable asymmetric devices. FIG. 3B illustratesasymmetric communication links over a wide network.

Self-configurable asymmetric devices are devices that set a connectionin a first direction and thereafter can reverse the direction.Non-limiting examples of such devices include switches that can reversethe link direction upon request, and a device that can act both as avideo source and as a video sink, such as a first television having atuner that is able to transmit uncompressed video to a secondtelevision, which may not have a tuner.

Referring to switch 360, the ports coupled to the asymmetric links (351,353, and 355) may be asymmetric communication ports, self-configurableasymmetric ports, or symmetric ports. A solution where the ports coupledto the asymmetric links are asymmetric communication ports may be theleast expensive solution, but it should comprise some designated portsfor sink devices, and some designated ports for source devices. Asolution where the ports coupled to the asymmetric links are symmetricports provides the highest flexibility, but may be expensive. A solutionwhere some or all of the ports coupled to the asymmetric links areself-configurable asymmetric ports may provide similar flexibilities tothose provided by the symmetric solution, at a reasonable cost. Forexample, a solution comprising self-configurable asymmetric ports mayutilize the same ports for all asymmetric links, and does not have toinclude some designated ports for sink devices and some designated portsfor source devices.

In one embodiment, the communication link between switches, such ascommunication link 361, is a symmetric communication link or aself-configurable asymmetric link.

A Self-Configurable Asymmetric Link

In one embodiment, the self-configurable asymmetric link is implementedover the same cable. In another embodiment, the self-configurableasymmetric link is implemented over a plurality of wires coupled to asingle connector (at least at one of the ends). In another embodiment,the self-configurable asymmetric link is implemented over a wirelesschannel. Herein, the directionality of the self-configurable asymmetriclink is determined by the direction of the high throughput stream.

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a self-configurable asymmetriclink, wherein the high throughput communication is transmitted over afirst medium 520, and the lower throughput communication is transmittedover a second medium 522. Optionally, the first medium and the secondmedium are in the same cable. Optionally, the first medium and thesecond medium are coupled to the same connectors at the ends of thecable.

Logics 560 and 562, may operate using a master-slave scheme, may featureequal importance, may use a distributed decision scheme, may beimplemented by the same logic, or may communicate with one another tocoordinate their operation. Logics 560 and 562 may manage the highthroughput channel and the lower throughput channel coordinately.Optionally, logic 560 determines whether transmitter 502 or receiver 504should be operated, and routes the signals to/from the selected deviceutilizing selector 510. Simultaneously, logic 562 determines whethertransmitter 530 or receiver 532 should be operated, and routes thesignals to/from the selected device utilizing selector 512. Both ends ofthe communication link are operated coordinately, meaning that thelogics operate transmitter 502 with receiver 532, or operate transmitter530 with receiver 504.

Optionally, logics 560 and 562 manage the lower throughput bidirectionalchannel 522 by setting transceivers 540 and 542 according to therequired behavior, which may be a function of the high throughputcommunication link's behavior. In one embodiment, the lower throughputbidirectional channel 522 is a symmetric channel.

In one embodiment, the self-configurable asymmetric link transfersmultimedia. In this case, logics 560 and 562 determine which sideoperates as the source and which side operates as the sink. In oneexample, communication link 500 transfers an HDMI-TMDS stream fromtransmitter 502 to receiver 532. In order for the HDMI controls to betransferred over the lower throughput bidirectional channel 522, logic560 sets transceiver 540 to be the I2C slave of its source device (notillustrated in the figure), and sets transceiver 542 to be the I2Cmaster of its sink device 570.

Optionally, logics 560 and 562 also manage the devices coupled to thecommunication link. For example, while transmitting from transmitter 530to receiver 504, logic 562 may connect source device 572 to transmitter530 and disconnect sink device 570 from receiver 532. Similarly, whiletransmitting from transmitter 502 to receiver 532, logic 562 may connectsink device 570 to receiver 532 and disconnect source device 572 fromtransmitter 530.

In FIG. 5, the unidirectional high throughput stream and thebidirectional lower throughput stream are transferred over differentmediums. Therefore, it is possible to have continuous communication overthe lower throughput channel while changing the communication propertiesover the high throughput channel. In one embodiment, the changes overthe high throughput channel are negotiated using messages communicatedover the lower throughput channel, which may operate continuously whilethe changes occur.

Managing a Self-Configurable Asymmetric Link

Initializing and/or changing the directionality of the self-configurableasymmetric link may be implemented using one of the followingembodiments or using any other embodiment leading to a similar endresult.

In one embodiment, the self-configurable asymmetric link is initializedin a bidirectional lower-throughput mode. Then the linked devices areable to negotiate with each other and determine the mode of operation.

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a self-configurable asymmetriclink, wherein the high throughput communication and the lower throughputcommunication are transmitted over the same wires 620.

In the case where the link directionality is from left to right,transmitter 602 receives and multiplexes the high and low throughputstreams; receiver 632 receives the multiplexed stream of the high andlow throughput streams and demultiplexes it to the high and the lowthroughput streams; transmitter 634 transmits the low throughput stream;and receiver 604 receives the low throughput stream. Similarly, in thecase where the link directionality is from right to left, transmitter636 receives and multiplexes the high and low throughput streams;receiver 606 receives the multiplexed stream of the high and lowthroughput streams, and demultiplexes it to the high and the lowthroughput streams; transmitter 608 transmits the low throughput stream;and receiver 638 receives the low throughput stream.

Selectors 614 and 644, optionally operated by logics 660 a and 660 b,determine whether transmitters 602, 634 and receivers 604, 632 should becoupled to the medium 620, or transmitters 608, 636 and receivers 606,638 should be coupled to the medium 620.

In one embodiment, the analog front-ends, which couple the transmittersand receivers to the medium 620, support the operation of the varioustransmitters and receivers. For example, the analog front-ends supportthe high throughput transmitter, the low throughput transmitter, thehigh throughput receiver, and the low throughput receiver.

When the high and low throughput communications are transmitted over thesame wires 620, all communications, including the low throughputcommunication, may stop upon changing the mode of operation ofcommunication link 600. Examples of changing the mode of operationinclude changing the directionality of the link, and/or changing certainproperties of the link, such as the rate or level of protection againstnoise.

In one embodiment, the communication link 600 has a low power partialfunctionality mode of operation, as discussed, for example, in US patentapplication publication number US2008/0291994, entitled “Low powerpartial functionality communication link”, which is incorporated hereinby reference and discloses a bidirectional low power mode of operationthat enables the elements coupled to the communication link to send andreceive messages and negotiate the required mode of operation. In oneembodiment, changing the link's mode of operation may comprise the stepsof: switching to a low power partial functionality mode of operation;negotiating the next mode of operation; and switching to the next modeof operation. In another embodiment, changing the link's mode ofoperation may comprise the steps of negotiating the next mode ofoperation and switching to the next mode of operation.

In one embodiment, before reversing the link directionality, the activehigh throughput receiver, which has already solved the channel responseand holds the channel properties (which include the channelcoefficients), forwards the channel properties to the second highthroughput receiver on the other side of the communication link. Andbecause some of the physical characteristics of the communication linkare symmetric, the second high throughput receiver on the other side mayuse some of these channel properties for fast-start. Optionally, theactive high throughput transmitter also forwards the channel propertiesto the second high throughput transmitter on the other side of thecommunication link.

In one embodiment, medium 620 comprises at least two wires, and the modeof operation is changed serially, first over one wire, and then over theother wire(s), such that at least a low throughput communication link iscontinuously maintained.

In one example, medium 620 is a CAT5e cable comprising 4 pairs of wires,and the communication link 600 is used for transferring HDMI andEthernet streams over all of the wires. In full throughput mode, thecommunication link 600 transfers over each pair of wires 2 Gbps in afirst direction and 250 Mbps in the opposite direction. Upon receiving arequest to change the directionality, the first two pairs of wirescontinue to work as before and maintain the communication over the link.At that time, the second two pairs of wires switch to a new mode ofoperation. After the second two pairs of wires establish communicationin the opposite direction, the first two pairs of wires switch to thenew mode of operation. Optionally, the communication over the first twopairs reaches its full throughput in the opposite direction before thesecond two pairs of wires change directionality. Alternatively, thecommunication over the first two pairs reaches an intermediatethroughput in the opposite direction before the second two pairs ofwires change directionality.

In one embodiment, an asymmetric communication link transmits in bothdirections over at least partially overlapping frequency bands. FIG. 7is a schematic illustration of one example of an analog front end forsuch an asymmetric communication link.

The logic 730 controls the characteristics of the transmitting and thereceiving paths. Referring to FIG. 7, the clock generated by the Tx PLL740 is manipulated by the divider 742 according to the logic 730, andprovided to the digital transmitter 744 and to the digital-to-analogconverter 746. In one embodiment, the low throughput transmitter clockis derived from the recovered clock of the PLL of the high throughputreceiver. In order to provide an asymmetric transmission, the logic 730controls the mode of operation of the digital transmitter 744, thebandwidth of the shaping filter 748 according to the required symbolrate (i.e. the logic 730 determines the mode of operation of the shapingfilter 748), and controls the transmission rate of the digital-to-analogconverter 746 using the divider 742 or by duplicating the transmitter's744 inputs as needed. The transmit and receive paths are coupled to ahybrid circuit 750 that is coupled to the communication medium.

In the receiving path, the hybrid circuit 750 is coupled to a variablegain amplifier 762 (VGA), which is coupled to an anti-aliasing filter764, which is coupled to an analog-to-digital converter 766, which iscoupled to the digital receiver 768. The logic 730 provides thereceiving path controls that are coordinated with the controls providedto the transmitting path. According to the required mode of operation ofthe communication link, the logic 730 may control the mode of operationof the anti-aliasing filter 764, may control the receiver's clock ratethrough the divider 772, and may control the receiver's mode ofoperation. The digital receiver 768 may provide the Rx PLL 770 withclock correction in order to recover the received symbol clock, and maycontrol the gain of the variable gain amplifier 762. The clock generatedby the Rx PLL 770 is manipulated by the divider 772 according to thelogic 730 and provided to the digital receiver 768 and to theanalog-to-digital converter 766. Alternatively, Tx PLL 740 and Rx PLL770 may be implemented by the same PLL coupled to one or moreinterpolators. In order to maintain the asymmetric channel, thetransmitting path and the receiving path work in opposite modes, meaningthat when the transmitting path operates in its high throughput mode,the receiving path operates in its low throughput mode, and vice versa.

Configurable Switch for Asymmetric Communication

In one embodiment, a switch for asymmetric devices comprisesself-configurable asymmetric ports, wherein the self-configurableasymmetric ports are automatically configured according to the devicesthat are connected to them. This switch does not require the user toconnect the sink and source devices to different ports.

In one embodiment, an idiot proof switch comprises multipleself-configurable asymmetric ports, wherein a user may connect cables toany appropriate self-configurable asymmetric port without worrying whichport is designed for source devices and which port is designed for sinkdevices. FIG. 8D and FIG. 8E illustrate an idiot proof switch 820 having5 self-configurable asymmetric ports, which enable a user to coupleasymmetric sink and source devices to any of the self-configurableasymmetric ports. Moreover, there is no need to change any physicalconnection and/or to manually configure the switch in order to use oneor more of the asymmetric devices coupled to switch 820.

In one embodiment, a repeater includes self-configurable asymmetricports.

In one embodiment, a daisy-chain device includes self-configurableasymmetric ports. The self-configurable asymmetric ports are setaccording to the characteristics of the chained devices. In oneembodiment, when a daisy-chain is connected improperly, a message isprovided to the user; the message may indicate the user how to properlyconnect the devices. The indication may also be a light, sound or anyother similar alarm.

In one embodiment, a device supporting daisy chain connection comprisesself-configurable asymmetric ports, and therefore it does not matter towhich of the ports the daisy chained devices are connected. I.e. thereare no designated input or output ports for the device, justself-configurable asymmetric ports, so the user may connect the daisychained devices to any of the ports.

In one embodiment, a multimedia network comprises edge devices havingasymmetric communication ports coupled to at least one switch comprisingself-configurable asymmetric ports that configure themselves accordingto the edge devices. Optionally, the switch also includes a symmetricport used for communicating with another switch.

In one embodiment, a multimedia switch includes a self-configurableasymmetric port that configures itself according to the edge deviceconnected to it.

In one embodiment, a switch comprises at least two different types ofports. For example, a switch may comprise: (i) one or more symmetriccommunication ports and a plurality of asymmetric communication ports,(ii) one or more symmetric communication ports and a plurality ofself-configurable asymmetric ports, (iii) a plurality of asymmetriccommunication ports and a plurality of self-configurable asymmetricports, or (iv) one or more symmetric communication ports, one or moreself-configurable asymmetric ports, and one or more asymmetriccommunication ports.

In one embodiment, a networking device comprising at least twoasymmetric communication ports, wherein at least one of the asymmetriccommunication ports is a self-configurable asymmetric port; wherein theself-configurable asymmetric port is configured automatically and isable to support high throughput communication. Optionally, theself-configurable asymmetric port couples the networking device with afirst end-device, and the networking device enables the first end-deviceto communicate with a second end-device coupled to another port of thenetworking device. Optionally, the networking device is a switch locatedat the user premises and supports high throughput communication overshort to medium distances at a relatively low cost. Optionally, theswitch is a wired switch that further comprising at least one symmetricport. Optionally, the switch is a wired switch and all of the ports areself-configurable asymmetric ports; whereby the switch is an idiot proofswitch. Optionally, the networking device is a multimedia repeater or adaisy-chain device.

In one embodiment, a networking device comprising at least twoself-configurable asymmetric ports; wherein the networking device isable to set automatically the direction of the self-configurableasymmetric ports according to the devices that are coupled to it.Optionally, the networking device is a daisy-chain device designed foruncompressed video applications and the self-configurable asymmetricports are self-configurable wired asymmetric ports.

In one embodiment, a switch for uncompressed video comprisingself-configurable asymmetric ports; the switch is adapted to set each ofits self-configurable asymmetric ports automatically according to thedirectionality of the end-device coupled to the port. Optionally, theend-devices are selected from video source devices and video sinkdevices. Optionally, the uncompressed video is uncompressed highdefinition digital video. Optionally, the switch is a wired switch, andthe asymmetric communication is transmitted over the same physicalwires. Optionally, the switch further comprising a negotiation modeenabling the switch to learn the directionality of the end-devicescoupled to its self-configurable asymmetric ports. Optionally, theswitch is a part of a network, and further comprising a control functionconfigured to change the network topology by changing the direction ofthe at least one self-configurable asymmetric port. Optionally, thecontrol function is implemented in the switch or in a device that iscoupled to the network. Optionally, most of the high bandwidth trafficcomprises data related to video pixels and most of the low bandwidthvideo traffic comprises non video pixel data.

In one embodiment, an asymmetric switch comprising ports of one type,wherein each port can function as an asymmetric input port or as anasymmetric output port based on the characteristics of the deviceconnected to it. Optionally, the asymmetric switch is a wired asymmetricswitch, and the ports coupled to high throughput source devices functionas asymmetric input ports. Optionally, the high throughput source deviceis a high definition video source device. Optionally, the asymmetricswitch is a wired asymmetric switch, and the ports coupled to video sinkdevices function as asymmetric output ports.

Methods and Systems for Configuring an Asymmetric Link Based onMonitored Commands

When possible, it is usually beneficial to initialize the direction ofthe self-configurable asymmetric link according to the directionrequired for achieving an expected user command. The initial directionmay be selected according to various methods, some of which aredescribed below. In one embodiment, upon receiving a user command, theswitch sets the link accordingly regardless of the number and theproperties of the end-devices coupled to one or more of the switches.

FIG. 8A illustrates an asymmetric network comprising switch 810 coupledto switch 820 through a self-configurable asymmetric link 830. Sinkdevices 812 and 814 are coupled to switch 810, while source devices 822,824, and 826 are coupled to switch 820. In this case, it is obvious thatthe direction of the self-configurable asymmetric link 830 should befrom switch 820 to switch 810, and optionally that direction isconfigured automatically.

FIG. 8B illustrates the case where an additional source device 816 iscoupled to switch 810 and an additional sink device 828 is coupled toswitch 820. Therefore, the direction of the self-configurable asymmetriclink 830 may be from 820 to 810, or from 810 to 820.

In one embodiment, the initial direction of the self-configurableasymmetric link 830 is determined based on the type and number ofdevices coupled to each switch, such that the selected directionmaximizes the number of devices capable of communicating with oneanother, also referred to as accessible devices. For example, threesources and one sink are coupled to switch 820, while one source and twosinks are coupled to switch 810. Therefore, the direction of theself-configurable asymmetric link 830 is set to be from switch 820 toswitch 810, thereby preferring communication between sources 822, 824,826 and sinks 812, 814, over communication between source 816 and sink828.

In one embodiment, the initial direction of the self-configurableasymmetric link 830 is determined based on the types and weightsassigned to the various devices, such that the selected directionmaximizes a predefined function. In a first example, source 822 isconsidered to be the most important source and as a result its assignedweight is equivalent to the weight of four regular sources. Therefore,the weighted equation is 6 sources on one side of the link against 1source on the other side of the link, and the direction of theself-configurable asymmetric link 830 is set to be from switch 820 toswitch 810. In a second example, source 816 is considered to be the mostimportant source and as a result its assigned weight is equivalent tothe weight of four regular sources. Therefore, the weighted equation is3 sources on one side of the link against 4 sources on the other side ofthe link, and the direction of the self-configurable asymmetric link 830is set to be from switch 810 to switch 820.

In one embodiment, the weights assigned to the various devices areselected based on prior usage statistics in order to select the morefrequent network topology as the default topology. Still referring toFIG. 8B, in one example, assuming the user usually watches contents fromsource 816 on sink 828, although switch 820 is coupled to a largeramount of sources than switch 810, because of the prior statistics theself-configurable asymmetric link will be initialized to the directionfrom switch 810 to switch 820. In one embodiment, the usage statisticsare measured by one or more of the switches. In a second embodiment, theusage statistics are measured by a control point. In a third embodiment,the usage statistics are gathered from one or more of the end-devices.In a third embodiment, the usage statistics is measured by the port.

FIG. 8F illustrates one embodiment of a network 835 formed by switches810 and 820. Switch 820 is a manipulating switch, such as discussed inU.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/193,018, filed Aug. 17, 2008,entitled “Multiple display network supporting HDMI-CEC”, which isincorporated herein by reference. Switch 820 generates a syntheticnetwork view to sink 828. For example, even when the direction of link830 is from 820 to 810, switch 820 may add source device 816 to thenetwork view of sink 828, although it is not accessible because of thecurrent direction of link 830. When the user selects source 816, sink828 sends CEC messages to configure the network from source 816 to sink828. The network configuration may be achieved by switch 820intercepting the CEC messages, flipping the link direction, andnotifying switch 810 to create a proper CEC message to source 816. It isto be understood that the control function may be implemented at theswitch, at a device coupled to the network, and/or at one of theend-devices.

In one embodiment, a networking device for uncompressed video comprisingself-configurable asymmetric ports; the networking device is coupled toend-devices configured to use multimedia control messages to controltheir operation; wherein the networking device is operative to monitorthe multimedia control messages transmitted through it and to set atleast one of the self-configurable asymmetric ports accordingly.Optionally, the networking device is a wired switch, and the multimediacontrol messages are CEC messages. Optionally, the switch sets theself-configurable asymmetric ports automatically based on the monitoredCEC commands. Optionally, the networking device is further operative toapply a stream migration operation based on the monitored multimediacontrol messages. Optionally, the networking device changes the networktopology by setting the direction of the self-configurable asymmetricport. Optionally, the networking device is a multimedia repeater.Optionally, the networking device is a daisy-chain device. Optionally,the end-devices are selected from video source devices and video sinkdevices. Optionally, the networking device is a wired switch, and theuncompressed video is uncompressed high definition digital video.Optionally, the asymmetric communication is transmitted in full-duplexover the same wires. Optionally, the networking device furthercomprising a negotiation mode enabling the switch to learn/negotiate thedirectionality of the end-devices coupled to its self-configurableasymmetric ports.

In one embodiment, a method for setting a self-configurable asymmetricport, comprising: monitoring multimedia control messages exchanged withan end-device coupled to the self-configurable asymmetric port;identifying a multimedia control message that points to an activityrequiring a different configuration of the port; and setting theself-configurable asymmetric port accordingly. Optionally, themultimedia control messages are CEC messages. Optionally, the methodfurther comprising applying a stream migration operation based on themonitored multimedia control messages. Optionally, the method furthercomprises changing the network topology by setting the direction of theself-configurable asymmetric port. Optionally, the method furthercomprises learning the directionality of the end-device before settingthe direction of the self-configurable asymmetric port. Optionally, themethod further comprising changing at least some of the multimediacontrol messages for generating a required network view. In oneembodiment, a wired switch for uncompressed video comprisingself-configurable asymmetric ports; the switch is coupled to end-devicesconfigured to use control messages to control their operation; whereinthe switch is configured to monitor the control messages transmittedthrough it, configured to change at least some of the control messagestransmitted through it, or create spoofed control messages, in order togenerate a required network view, and configured to automatically set atleast one of the self-configurable asymmetric ports according to themonitored control messages. Optionally, the switch changes the networktopology by setting the directionality of the self-configurableasymmetric port. Optionally, the control messages are CEC messages, andthe switch is further configured to apply a stream migration operationbased on the monitored CEC messages. Optionally, the end-devices areselected from video source devices and video sink devices. Optionally,the uncompressed video is uncompressed high definition digital video.Optionally, the asymmetric communication is transmitted in full-duplexover the same wires. Optionally, the uncompressed video furthercomprises a negotiation mode enabling the switch to learn thedirectionality of the end-devices coupled to its self-configurableasymmetric ports.

In one embodiment, a network comprising two networking devices connectedvia a self-configurable asymmetric link; sink and source devices arecoupled to the networking devices; and the networking devices areoperative to determine the direction of the self-configurable asymmetriclink based on the distribution of the various sink and source devicescoupled to the networking devices. Optionally, the networking devicesare wired switches designed for uncompressed video. Optionally, thedefault direction of the self-configurable asymmetric link maximizes thenumber of source devices that may be connected to a selected sinkdevice. Optionally, the default direction of the self-configurableasymmetric link maximizes the number of available source devices andsink devices. Optionally, at least one of the networking devices is awired router or a wired daisy-chain device.

In one embodiment, an uncompressed multimedia network comprising: afirst networking device coupled to a second networking device via aself-configurable asymmetric link; wherein the direction of theself-configurable asymmetric link is determined based on thecharacteristics of the devices connected to the first and the secondnetworking devices. Optionally, the networking devices are wiredswitches.

Managing Compressed and Uncompressed Video Streams Over an AsymmetricNetwork

In one embodiment, the low throughput channel supports at least onecompressed video stream.

FIG. 8C illustrates one embodiment of managing compressed anduncompressed video streams over an asymmetric network. Source device 822streams to sink device 812 high throughput uncompressed video and theself-configurable asymmetric link 830 is directed from switch 820 toswitch 810. Sometime later, a request to receive high throughputuncompressed video from source 816 to sink 828 is received. Because theself-configurable asymmetric link cannot transmit uncompressed video inboth directions, and because sink 828 cannot decode compressed video,the system checks whether it is possible to transmit a compressed videostream from source 816 to a rendering device, such as source 824, whichwill then transmit the rendered uncompressed video to sink device 828.As long as the link's low throughput channel is able to support thecompressed video transmitted from source 816 to source 824, there is noneed to flip the direction of the self-configurable asymmetric link andinterrupt the high throughput stream already being transmitted.

Dynamic Allocation of Asymmetric Bandwidth Between Configurable Links

FIG. 9A illustrates two switches 910, 920 coupled by twoself-configurable asymmetric links 930 and 931. The self-configurableasymmetric links 930 and 931 may be directed in the same direction or inopposite directions. By directing two or more self-configurableasymmetric links in the same direction, a somewhat aggregated link iscreated. FIG. 9D illustrates one example where the two switchescommunicate over a network. The self-configurable asymmetric links maybe initialized as required and/or using one of the followingembodiments:

In one embodiment, the self-configurable asymmetric links areinitialized to a Low Power Partial Functionality state, such asdescribed in US patent application publication number 2008/0291994,which is incorporated herein by reference to its full extent. While inthe Low Power Partial Functionality state, the self-configurableasymmetric links are able to transmit commands and data requiring up toa certain bandwidth. When a higher bandwidth is required, and/or when ahigh throughput communication is expected to be initialized shortly, therelevant self-configurable asymmetric link is set to the requireddirection. In one embodiment, the link is maintained in its lowthroughput mode as long as there is no need for high throughputtransmission. Optionally, the low throughput mode supports symmetriccommunication of compressed video. The link is switched to highthroughput when needed. In one embodiment, different links may beoperated in different levels of low power.

In one embodiment, the self-configurable asymmetric links areinitialized based on the properties of the end-devices coupled to thenetwork. For example, in FIG. 9E, the number of source devices coupledto switch 920 is larger than the number of source devices coupled toswitch 910, and therefore the directionality the self-configurableasymmetric links 930 and 931 is initialized to the direction from switch920 to switch 910 and link 932 is initialized to the opposite direction.

In another embodiment, the self-configurable asymmetric links areinitialized based on prior usage statistics. For example, assuming theuser usually watches contents from sources 822 and 824 on sinks 812 and814, and rarely watches content from source 816 on sink 828, thedirectionality of both self-configurable asymmetric links 930 and 931will be initialized to the direction from switch 920 to switch 910 andlink 932 will be initialized to the opposite direction.

The directionality of a self-configurable asymmetric link may be flippedboth while the link carries high throughput communication and while thelink does not carry high throughput communication. In one embodiment,when the self-configurable asymmetric link does not carry highthroughput communication, flipping the link's direction may be completedin a seamless manner or in an approximately seamless manner. Moreover,flipping the link's direction while it does not carry high throughputmay be achieved without affecting other active devices that communicateover the flipped link.

In one embodiment, the switch, or a control device, sets the directionof the self-configurable asymmetric link based on the transmitted data.In one example, before creating a session, the source provides theamount of required bandwidth, than a network device, such as the controlfunction or one of the switches coupled to the source device, try toreserve the required bandwidth over the appropriate network path. If therequired bandwidth is available, the bandwidth is allocated, optionallyby changing the mode of operation of one or more self-configurableasymmetric links. Other methods of assessing the bandwidth may beimplemented without requesting the source to provide the requiredbandwidth.

In another embodiment, the switch, or a control device, sets thedirection of the self-configurable asymmetric link based on theestimated bandwidth of the transmitted data. In one embodiment, thedirection of the self-configurable asymmetric link is determinedaccording to the direction in which most of the data is transmitted orthe direction in which the date passes a threshold. In one embodiment,before starting an uncompressed video session, a sink device maytransmit a stream of a few Mbps over the link. As long as the bandwidthrequired by this stream is below the minimal bandwidth defined forflipping the direction of link, the direction of the link remainsunchanged. Alternatively or additionally, the direction of the link isnot flipped as long as the link can carry the required transmissions.

Stream Migration

FIG. 9B and FIG. 9C schematically illustrate the stream migrationprocess. FIG. 9B illustrates the initial state where two high throughputstreams are directed from switch 952 to switch 950. The direction ofself-configurable asymmetric link 960 is to be flipped, and the currentstream it carries has to migrate to self-configurable asymmetric link962, as illustrated by FIG. 9C. Assuming control messages, which requirelow bandwidth, can usually be transmitted over the links in bothdirections, one method for stream migration using control messagescomprises the following steps:

Notifying both sides of the self-configurable asymmetric link 960 thatthe link direction is to be flipped.

Duplicating the high throughput stream to be migrated, optionally byswitch 952, and transmitting it over both self-configurable asymmetriclinks 960 and 962.

Placing, by switch 950, the received streams in the buffers of thelinks. Note that there may be a mismatch between the buffers because ofdelays.

Finding a correlation, optionally by switch 950, between the tworeceived streams to make sure that the handover is performed from thecorrect point in the stream. When the buffers store packets having astream ID and a packet ID, this step is reduced to locating the requiredpackets in the buffers.

After the buffers are switched and the stream is migrated to link 962,transmitting a control message, from switch 950 to switch 952, to stopduplicating the stream.

After completing the stream migration, the direction ofself-configurable asymmetric link 960 may be flipped, the link mode maybe switched to low power, or the link may be turned off.

In another embodiment, the stream migration is performed during thevertical blanking interval. Optionally, migrating the stream may takelonger than the vertical blanking. In such as case the transmission maybe on hold until the stream migration is completed.

In some cases, there is a need to migrate a currently transmitted streamfrom a first link to a second link. Examples of such needs include aneed to flip the direction of the first link, a need to reduce the powerconsumption of the first link, and/or a need to aggregate streams.

In one embodiment, end-devices, such as standard multimedia sourcedevice(s) and sink device(s), are coupled to two or more switches. Theswitches are interconnected by two or more approximately parallelself-configurable asymmetric links, whose directions may be flippedwithout affecting the operation of the end-devices. As a result, on thefly stream migration operation combined with a change of resolution maybe implemented on streams transmitted between multimedia end-devicesthat do not support on the fly resolution change. In one example, inorder to enable link migration and resolution change with standardend-devices, the link transmits the received content to the sink at asomewhat slower rate than the rate at which it receives the content fromthe source. As a result, a buffer is accumulated at the switch. When thebuffer is long enough, the switch requests the source to changeresolution, and while the source changes resolution, the switch streamsthe content from the buffer to the sink.

In one embodiment, the source device is able to change the bandwidth ofthe transmitted stream on the fly, for example—by increasing or reducingthe resolution and/or the color depth of a video stream. In oneembodiment, changing the bandwidth of the video stream on the fly isused with stream migration in order to adapt the streams to thebandwidth limitations of the communication link. For example, when anasymmetric link carries two streams and is missing 100 Mbps of bandwidthin order to carry a third stream that is transmitted over another link,the bandwidth of one or more of the three streams is reduced, optionallyon the fly, and in such a way that the user does not notice thereduction.

Link Aggregation

It is possible to achieve a better bandwidth balance by aggregating asmany streams as possible over as few links as possible (as long as theuncompressed streams conform with the link direction). In oneembodiment, a packet ID and a stream ID are added to each packet. Then,the received packets are sorted in the link buffers. Usually, differentlinks may feature different delays. Therefore, the larger the number oflinks over which the stream is distributed, the larger the buffer thatmay be required to sort the received packets into the proper order andproper stream.

In one embodiment, when two switches connected by two or moremulti-stream asymmetric links, which already carry a first stream over afirst link, receive a request to carry a second stream, the switches tryto add the second stream to the first link in order to minimize thepower consumption. If the streams cannot be combined, the second streamis transmitted over a second link. In one embodiment, two or more of themulti-stream asymmetric links feature different bandwidth capacities.Currently transmitted streams may be migrated from one link to anotherlink upon receiving a request for transmitting a new stream. Forexample, when a new stream is to be transmitted, the currentlytransmitted stream and the new stream can be migrated to a second linkthat is capable of carrying the total bandwidth of both streams(assuming the current link cannot carry the additional stream). Asanother example, three streams are transmitted over a first link; one ofthe streams is terminated; therefore, the two remaining streams aremigrated to a second link having a lower bandwidth capacity and lowerpower consumption.

In one example, two self-configurable asymmetric links are initializedwith opposite directions. One of the links is flipped when needed, sothat both links are directed in the same direction. After one or more ofthe transmissions has terminated, one of the links is flipped.Alternatively, the flip is performed only upon a flip request, or whenthere is a need to transmit in the opposite direction, because it may beassumed that if prior operations required two links having the samedirection, there is a good chance a future operation will also requiresuch a configuration.

Methods and Systems for Changing the Topology of an Asymmetric Network

In one embodiment, the operation of a hybrid network comprising two ormore self-configurable asymmetric links is set by and a controlfunction. Based on the status of the available end-devices and thecurrent network connectivity, the control function sets the direction ofthe self-configurable asymmetric links. The control function may providea user with alternative network topologies by changing the direction ofone or more of the self-configurable asymmetric links.

In one embodiment, it is impossible to access one or more of theend-devices in any of the possible network topologies. In oneembodiment, it is impossible to access one or more of the end-devices ina specific network topology. Optionally, the unaccessible end-devicesare not shown to the user. Alternatively, the existence of theunaccessible end-devices is shown to the user. Alternatively, theunaccessible end-devices are shown to the user using a specific marking,such as a designated color, and/or a designated marking, such as an ‘x’mark. FIG. 13A illustrates one example of selecting a source device(PVR) and receiving its accessible sink devices (Display #2 and Audio#2). FIG. 13B illustrates one example of selecting a sink device(Display #3) and receiving its accessible sources devices (Game Stationand Blu-Ray).

In one embodiment, a sink device, such as a television, act as the userinterface of the control function of the hybrid network. The user cannavigate between content regardless of where it is located. The user canconnect sink and source devices regardless of the current direction ofone or more of the self-configurable asymmetric links. The controlfunction takes care of fetching content, rendering the fetched content,and setting the path through the hybrid network.

FIG. 14 illustrates one embodiment wherein the user is supplied withinformation regarding the end-devices that can be accessed viaapproximately any one or more of the possible network topologies and thecontents that can be accessed via approximately any one or more of thepossible network topologies. When the user selects an end-device or acontent, the network sets the self-configurable asymmetric linkaccordingly.

FIG. 15 illustrates one embodiment wherein the user is supplied withinformation regarding the source and sink devices that can be accessedvia approximately any one or more of the possible network topologies.When the user selects a pair of sink and source devices, the networksets the self-configurable asymmetric link accordingly.

In one embodiment, the control function provides the set of end-devicesthat are accessible in a first topology, and the set of end-devices thatare accessible in a second topology. Then the user can select thetopology by indicating his preference and/or operating one or more ofthe end-devices. In one embodiment, the control function provides theuser with information describing the set of devices that can beoperated, while hiding the required network changes. Non limitingexamples of network changes include stream migration and setting thedirectionality of one or more of the self-configurable asymmetric linksaccording to the selected end-devices. In one embodiment, the controlfunction provides the user with information describing conflictingdevices that cannot be operated simultaneously.

In one embodiment, the user is provided with the devices that areaccessible via the current network topology and/or current transmittedstreams. In one embodiment, the user is provided with a list ofend-devices that can be used after flipping one or more of theself-configurable asymmetric links, as long as no current streams areaffected. Optionally, the user is provided with connections that can becreated with a conflict, and then the user is asked what other stream tostop.

The control function may be implemented as a stand alone device, and/orimplements in an end-device or a network element such as a hybridswitch. Moreover, the control function may provide data regarding theavailable network configurations and the user may be required to set thenetwork connections. Optionally, the control function provides the userwith the options on a designated screen, such as a remote controllerscreen. Optionally, the control function provides the user with theoptions on a sink screen.

In one embodiment, an asymmetric network comprising: at least oneself-configurable asymmetric link and at least one control functionelement; the asymmetric network is coupled to at least four end-devicesand can feature at least two different topologies based on thedirectionality of the at least one self-configurable asymmetric link;wherein until operating an end-device that requires a specific topology,the control function is configured to provide data regardingapproximately all of the devices that can be accessed in approximatelyany of the possible topologies. Optionally, the control functionprovides the data regarding approximately all of the devices that can beaccessed to a user interface.

In one embodiment, a method for operating devices coupled to aself-configurable asymmetric network featuring at least two possiblenetwork topologies, comprising: displaying information regarding theend-devices that can be accessed in approximately any one or more of thepossible network topologies; selecting a network topology by setting thedirection of a self-configurable asymmetric link; and indicating theend-devices that are accessible via the selected network topology.Optionally, the devices that the not accessible via the selected networktopology are not displayed. Optionally, the accessible and theunaccessible devices are indicated using different colors and/ormarkings.

In one embodiment, an asymmetric network comprising at least oneself-configurable asymmetric link; the asymmetric network is coupled toat least four end-devices and can feature at least two different networktopologies based on the directionality of the at least oneself-configurable asymmetric link; wherein until operating an end-devicethat requires a specific topology, the network is configured to providedata regarding the set of devices that are accessible via thealternative network configurations. Optionally, the data regarding theset of devices that are accessible via the alternative networkconfigurations is provided to a user interface.

In one embodiment, a method for operating devices coupled to aconfigurable asymmetric network featuring a first and a secondalternative network topologies, comprising: displaying informationregarding end-devices accessible via the first topology and informationregarding end devices accessible via the second topology; receiving aselected network configuration; and focusing the displayed informationon the end-devices accessible via the selected network topology.Optionally, focusing the displayed information on the end-devicesaccessible via the selected network topology comprises displaying onlythe accessible devices. Optionally, focusing the displayed informationon the end-devices accessible via the selected network topologycomprises indicating the accessible and the unaccessible devices usingdifferent colors and/or markings.

In one embodiment, an asymmetric network comprising: at least oneself-configurable asymmetric link and at least one control functionelement; the asymmetric network is coupled to at least two video sinkdevices and two high definition video source devices; the asymmetricnetwork features at least two different topologies based on thedirectionality of the at least one self-configurable asymmetric link;wherein the control function is configured to flip the direction of theself-configurable asymmetric link without receiving a user confirmationwhen the flip does not affect the current streams, and configured toreceive a user confirmation when the flip does affect the currentstreams.

In one embodiment, a method for changing the topology of an asymmetricnetwork, comprising: obtaining data describing the end-devices coupledto the network; obtaining data describing the network links, wherein atleast one of the network links is a self-configurable asymmetric link;receiving a requested network route; and setting the direction of atleast one of the self-configurable asymmetric links to achieve therequested network route. Optionally, the requested network path isreceived from a user. Optionally, the requested network path isdetermined such as to maximize the number of available sources.

Managing a Symmetric and an Asymmetric Network Over the SameInfrastructure

In one embodiment, the user has a direct interaction with the controlfunction. For example, the control function drives the network's userinterface, and after the user makes his selection, the control functionsets the network accordingly.

FIG. 10 illustrates one embodiment of a hybrid network, which supportsin parallel, networking of (i) Uncompressed Audio Video (AV) over anetwork which provides predictable, stable high throughput and lowlatency service for time sensitive, mesochronous, uncompressed AVstreams, optionally with their associated controls; and (ii)asynchronous data network, such as Ethernet. The hybrid network maysupport, for example, point to point, star, mesh, and daisy chainnetwork topologies, multiple network hops, multi active AV streams pereach network path, and low network path latency and network path latencyvariation for the AV network.

The hybrid network illustrated in FIG. 10 supports point to point, star,and daisy-chain network topologies.

In one embodiment, the hybrid network supports connectivity of pureEthernet devices; support control using HDMI-CEC over the network;provide extended CEC switching to enable operation with multiple sinkdevices; support connection of USB 2.0 devices to create USB sessionsover the hybrid network accompanying the AV streams sessions; supportSPDIF Audio sessions over the hybrid network; support connectivity ofpure HDMI-HDCP devices to the Network through Network Edge Ports;support “Regular Ethernet Switching” on parallel to the uncompressed AVswitching on hybrid switching elements; support IR and UART sessionsover the hybrid network accompanying the AV streams sessions; enablepure Ethernet device to function as an hybrid Network Control functionusing hybrid Control and Management Protocol (HD-CMP).

In one embodiment, the hybrid network supports control and management ofthe hybrid network during stand by mode. In one embodiment, the hybriddevices do not have to be individually configured in order to operatecorrectly over the network. Optionally, the hybrid devices: supportdynamic auto topology discovery and maintenance; support dynamic edgedevices discovery and capabilities classification; provide means toreport the current hybrid network view to a control function including,optionally including a linkage to HDMI-CEC, Ethernet, RF4CE and/or DLNAnetwork views; provide means to enable the control function to createand maintain uncompressed AV sessions over the network; and support IEEE802.1D-2004 Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) on hybrid switchingelements to enable Ethernet loops removal (note that Ethernet packetsmay flow in a different path through the hybrid network than theuncompressed AV packets). In one embodiment, the hybrid devices alsoprovide means to measure the physical length of a network path.

In one embodiment, the hybrid network supports various end-devices anddevices such as (i) end-device having a single stream port device is aport device, input/output, of only one AV port element; (ii) end-devicehaving a multi stream port device is a port device of more than one AVport elements from the same kind (input/output); (iii) a couplingdevice, which includes the function of coupling/decoupling into thehybrid link an additional signal interface, such as USB, IR, UART,and/or SPDIF; (iv) a repeater device for extending the hybrid link rangeand/or convert to HDMI; (v) a switching device that includes thefunction Uncompressed AV and the Ethernet data switching; (vi) a controlfunction, which may be implemented as a control point device thatincludes the function of controlling the hybrid network using, forexample, HD-CMP over Ethernet. The control point device may not havehybrid port and it may be a pure Ethernet devices with the propersoftware modifications.

Referring again to FIG. 10, the connection between local DVD 996 anddisplay 990 illustrates a daisy-chain connection, the connection betweenlocal DVD 996 and controller 992 illustrates a USB connection, theconnection between Ethernet switch 980 and hybrid switch 850 illustratesan Ethernet connection, and the connection between hybrid switch 850 andPVR 998 illustrates an HDMI connection.

FIG. 11 illustrates transparent delivery of peer to peer, HDMI-HDCPsession, over the hybrid network including all the control signals suchas DDC, HPD, CEC. For example, using CEC 472, display 990′ can selectand control the PVR 998; And PVR 998 and display 990′ are connected 470via the hybrid network as if they were directly connected with HDMIcable.

FIG. 12 illustrates transparent delivery of Ethernet data over eachhybrid network hop. Each hybrid switching element shall include Ethernetswitching capability preferably complying with IEEE AVB. The cellularphone 112 b illustrates a pure Ethernet control point. Path 112 aillustrates control point communicate with the switches using regularEthernet.

In one embodiment, compressed and uncompressed interaction are achievedwith DLNA. For example, hybrid network enables, at the same time, bothuncompressed multimedia distribution via the “uncompressed network” andcompressed multimedia downloading and streaming via the “Ethernetnetwork”. DLNA is seamlessly supported over hybrid network enabling thecontrol and management of compressed multimedia distribution. hybridcontrol point can integrate its knowledge about the hybrid network viewand its DLNA network view to create a bridge from the compresseddistribution world to the uncompressed distribution. In one embodiment,since Ethernet is used to create and maintain the uncompressed sessions,it is possible to use regular Ethernet devices as control points to thenetwork. For example, using DLNA, mobile controls media selection andcommands PC to stream video to PVR; compressed video streaming usingDLNA; and uncompressed streaming from PVR to TV.

In one embodiment, a TV can also act as a Control Point to the Network.In this case, a user can navigate between content regardless of where itis located, and the control point takes care of fetching content,rendering the fetched content, and setting the path through theuncompressed network

FIG. 16 illustrates one non-limiting example of physical, link andnetwork layers to enable, low overhead, low latency, variable transferquality per data type, multi streams, communication.

In one embodiment, the switches intercommunicate with themselves,end-devices and control function in order to asses—the network statuesand resolve the network topology. In addition, it is to be understoodthat there may be more than one control function.

Referring to FIG. 17 and FIG. 18:

In one embodiment, a hybrid network includes two networks—anasynchronous data networking and a time sensitive network—implementedover the same physical infrastructure. The two networks are distinctlogical networks because the networking, addressed, and/or the physicalpaths may be different.

In one example, Ethernet is used to manage the asymmetric network andthe symmetric network. The meaning is that the following activities areperformed over the symmetric network: network address, path, topology,capability, and/or interaction between switch devices and controlfunction. These activities are relevant to both networks.

When using the hybrid network, the asymmetric network is managed overthe symmetric network. Therefore, the control function may not be partof the managed network. And therefore the control point may coupled tothe Ethernet network and not to the asymmetric network.

In some embodiments, a single physical infrastructure is used for bothnetworks, although same of the physical infrastructure may be used foronly one network.

As illustrates in the figures, between the hybrid network and the HDMInetwork there is conversion (implemented by bridge for example) becausethey are different networks, while inside the hybrid network there is noneed for any conversion because it is the same network.

In one embodiment, the hybrid network includes there types of devicesand protocols that enable the different devices to communicate with eachother. The switch supports both networks, end-devices may support onlythe asymmetric network, and the control function must support thesymmetric control network and may also support the symmetric network.

Multi-Stream

In some embodiment, some or all of the communication links supportmulti-streaming. For example, the asymmetric end node 350 may be aset-top box (STB) providing two or more multimedia streams to two ormore multimedia sinks, and therefore communication link 351 should be amulti-stream asymmetric communication link. In another example, STB 350transmits content to television 384 while DVD 354 transmits content to aTV with an integrated Blu-ray device 382. Therefore, the symmetriccommunication link 361 should be a multi-stream symmetric communicationlink or a multi-stream configurable asymmetric communication link. Ifsymmetric end node 380 also transmits a high throughput communication toend node 352, communication link 361 should be a multi-stream symmetriccommunication link and not a multi-stream configurable asymmetriccommunication link. In another example, the TV with an integratedBlu-ray device 382 records contents from both the STB 350 and the DVD354. Therefore, the configurable asymmetric communication link 383should be a multi-stream configurable asymmetric communication link.

Optionally, the configurable asymmetric communication link is amulti-stream link

Optionally, the bandwidth of the streams on the configurable asymmetriccommunication link can be changed.

Optionally, the bandwidth of one or more of the streams transmitted overthe multi stream can be changed on the fly to make room for a newstream.

Optionally, the bandwidth of one or more of the streams transmitted overthe multi stream can be improved after one of the streams stops and as aresult additional bandwidth is gained.

Optionally, the calculations of what will happen if the link is flippedis based on the currently consumed bandwidths and the possibilities todownscale or upscale the quality of the current streams.

When the link is multi stream, there is a limited amount of bandwidththat can be transmitted. Optionally, in order to add additional streams,the resolution of the current streams is reduced.

In one embodiment, the switch asks for user confirmation before reducingthe video quality. Alternatively, as long as the downscale is above apredefined quality, the user is not bothered with questions.Alternatively, the user is not bothered at all and everything isperformed automatically.

How to change resolution such that the user won't notice? In oneembodiment, the switch downscales the resolution of the current streamsin order to free enough bandwidth for the new stream. This may beperformed using an internal scaler in the switch. In another embodiment,the source device is requested to change resolution, preferably on thefly so that a user will not notice the change. The sink device also hasto change the way the content is displayed, but usually withuncompressed video it is easier than with compressed video because eachframe includes the important controls for displaying the image (such assyncs).

Optionally, the resolution is changed using current or future standardmeans, such as CEC, or any other future standard. As a result the changemay be noticeable by the user.

FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of a symmetric communication link 400over the same wires 450. In this embodiment, multiplexer 420 multiplexesone or more high throughput 401 and low throughput 402 streams; themultiplexed result 424 is transmitted over the wires 450 todemultiplexer 422, which demultiplexes the multiplexed result 424 tohigh throughput 404 and low throughput 406 streams. In the oppositedirection, multiplexer 430 multiplexes one or more high throughput 410and low throughput 412 streams; the multiplexed result 434 istransmitted over the wires 450 to demultiplexer 432, which demultiplexesthe multiplexed result 434 to high throughput 414 and low throughput 416streams.

FIG. 19 illustrates one embodiment in which data about a user isrecorded by tracking devices 490-492 such as one or more biometricsensors, webcam, GPS, smartphone, etc. The data is transmitted to amultimedia switch 850 that is connected to both a display device 990 andthe Internet 492. Through the connection to the display device 990, theuser can see his data, and optionally select a program, such as apersonalized training program. Through the Internet connection, adistant user, such as the user's trainer or the user's family canreceive a status report of the user. Optionally, the received statusreport is transmitted to a second switch 852 coupled to a television991. By displaying the status report on the television 991, the user'sfamily can be updated without having to take specific actions such asaccessing www.facebook.com or other means. In another embodiment, datameasured by a smartphone is transmitted to the switch, which immediatelydisplays it on the television.

Certain features of the embodiments, which may have been, for clarity,described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be providedin various combinations in a single embodiment. Conversely, variousfeatures of the embodiments, which may have been, for brevity, describedin the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separatelyor in any suitable sub-combination.

The embodiments are not limited in their applications to the details ofthe order or sequence of steps of operation of methods, or to details ofimplementation of devices, set in the description, drawings, orexamples.

While the methods disclosed herein have been described and shown withreference to particular steps performed in a particular order, it willbe understood that these steps may be combined, sub-divided, orreordered to form an equivalent method without departing from theteachings of the embodiments. Accordingly, unless specifically indicatedherein, the order and grouping of the steps is not a limitation of theembodiments.

Any citation or identification of any reference in this applicationshall not be construed as an admission that such reference is availableas prior art to the embodiments of the present invention.

While the embodiments have been described in conjunction with specificexamples thereof, it is to be understood that they have been presentedby way of example, and not limitation. Moreover, it is evident that manyalternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all suchalternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spiritand scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. An asymmetric network comprising: at least oneself-configurable asymmetric link and at least one control functionelement; the asymmetric network is coupled to at least four end-devicesand supports at least two different topologies based on directionalityof the at least one self-configurable asymmetric link; and the controlfunction is configured to provide data regarding essentially all theend-devices that can be accessed in any of the at least two differenttopologies.
 2. The asymmetric of claim 1, wherein the control functionprovides the data to a user interface.
 3. The asymmetric of claim 2,wherein after setting a certain topology, the user interface is furtherconfigured not to display end-devices which are inaccessible via thecertain topology.
 4. The asymmetric of claim 2, wherein after setting acertain topology, the user interface is further configured to indicateaccessible and inaccessible end-devices using different colors and/ormarkings.
 5. The asymmetric of claim 1, wherein after setting a certaintopology, the control function is further configured not to provide dataregarding end-devices that inaccessible via the certain topology.
 6. Theasymmetric of claim 1, wherein the self-configurable asymmetric link canchange its directionality.
 7. A method for operating end-devices coupledto a self-configurable asymmetric network which supports at least twodifferent network topologies, comprising: displaying informationregarding end-devices that can be accessed in any one of the at leasttwo different network topologies; selecting a network topology bysetting the direction of a self-configurable asymmetric link; andindicating a subset of the end-devices that are accessible via theselected network topology.
 8. The method of claim 7, further comprisingnot displaying a second subset of the end-devices that are notaccessible via the selected network topology.
 9. The method of claim 7,further comprising marking on a user interface the subset of theend-devices that are accessible with a different color than color usedto mark inaccessible end-devices.
 10. An asymmetric network comprising:at least one self-configurable asymmetric link; the asymmetric networkis coupled to at least four end-devices and supports at least twodifferent network topologies based on directionality of the at least oneself-configurable asymmetric link; and the asymmetric network isconfigured to provide data regarding the end-devices that are accessiblevia the at least two different network topologies until operating atleast one of the end-device which requires a specific topology.
 11. Theasymmetric of claim 10, wherein the data is provided to a userinterface.
 12. The asymmetric of claim 10, wherein after setting thespecific topology, the asymmetric network is further configured to notto provide data regarding end-devices that are inaccessible via thespecific topology.
 13. A method for operating devices coupled to aconfigurable asymmetric network supporting first and second networktopologies, comprising: displaying information regarding end-devicesaccessible via the first and second network topologies; receiving anindication of selection of the first network topology; and focusing thedisplayed information on end-devices accessible via the first networktopology.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the focusing of thedisplayed information comprises not displaying end-devices which areinaccessible via the first network topology.
 15. The method of claim 13,wherein the focusing of the displayed information comprises indicatingaccessible end-devices and inaccessible end-devices using differentcolors and/or markings via a user interface.
 16. The method of claim 13,wherein the configurable asymmetric network comprises aself-configurable asymmetric link, and the selection of the firstnetwork topology comprises setting directionality of theself-configurable asymmetric link.